Polly Ollie
Chain Reaction Brewing Company

 

just a really good pale ale here, a lot art these days with imperial everything and double dry hopped hazy this and that, old school, hoppy, fresh, balanced, and clean, these guys never get enough credit for how good their beer is, so underrated. this has a nice light caramel or copper color to it, beautiful clarity and a short white head from the tap at the brewery. the nose is distinctly orange forward, cool citrus vibe from the hops here, some obvious green fresh hoppy bitterness, and more of a malt backbone than is fashionable these days, not sweet but biscuity, a little toasty and earthy, and with some appreciable body. the flavor has great balance and depth, faint toffee from the grain, a light crystal thing there, even english, with hops not just at the end but all the way through, orange zest and leafy greenness there, traces of cotton candy and saltwater taffy for some reason, but this is relatively dry. the classic american pale ale is a lost art, but these guys are doing it right. great pint of beer right here!